By Davina C.
In a post lockdown year, in which our 'connection' has largely been limited to digital screen grabs or Zoom time, and our own image has continuously been refracted back to us through an often unflattering lens, this year is seeing an ever increasing demand for eye treatments or products that will restore eyes back to pre-pandemic health.
So, how has this 'Zoom boom' been a catalyst for eyestrain? And how does an accumulative effect lead towards eye fatigue and even cosmetic defects?
According to research we should blink 10-15 times per minute to maintain the 'tear film': a microscopic layer, consisting of mucus, water and oil, which protect and moisturize the eye. Blinking also clears stagnant fluid and sharpens your vision by keeping the surface eye layer moist - whilst when we read from a screen, we blink less and the upper and lower eyelids don't fully connect, causing a cycle of dryness, blurred vision, weakened eye muscles and sometimes infection.
Increased stress over this past year has also impacted the delicate skin around the eye area - one of the first places to show signs of aging through fine lines and wrinkles. With stress, the septum - the structure of the eyelid - weakens, as does the orbicularis oculi (the muscles underneath) and therefore the skin sags.
From dry eyes, hooded eyelids, under eye wrinkles to dark circles, 2021 has become the year of the eye concern. Healthy lifestyle adjustments and skincare can be a first step to giving the eye area a natural boost; from increasing water in-take to switching to retinol in daily skincare - retinoids work by prompting surface skin cells to turn over and die quickly, making way for new, healthy fresh skin underneath.
We recommend making eyes a long-term investment by making these targeted products part of your every day routine.
Antipodes Kiwi Seed Gold Luminous Eye Cream
Antipodes, the pioneering 'Scientific Organic Beauty' company from New Zealand, delivers with this award winning richly textured yet light eye cream. An illuminating eye cream, which fuses 23K gold flakes with extracts of Kiwi Seed Oil and Vitamin C directly sourced from New Zealand super fruit. Use morning and evening to bring calm to stressed delicate skin around the eye, and to help moisturise and soften the signs of wrinkles and fine lines.
Avalon Organics Intense Defence Eye Cream
From screen time to environmental aggressors such as UV Rays and pollution, which create free radicals on the skin, that cause premature signs of ageing, the eye area needs 'Intense Defence.' This antioxidant intensive formula fuses Vitamin C, white tea, and lemon bioflavonoids to defend skin and support cell regeneration: expect to see results after regular use, including remoistured, delicate skin around the eyes and a refreshed appearance, free from dark shadows and softened fine lines.
